MIKE SCACCIA, guitarist with Ministry and the Revolting Cocks, has passed away after suffering a seizure while performing on stage with Rigor Mortis. He was 47 years old.

Scaccia was performing at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas last night (Saturday, December 22nd) at a show organised to celebrate the birthdays of Bruce Corbitt (Rigor Mortis and Warbeast) and Rabid Flesh Eaters members Ricky Wilson and Mike Taylor. Rabid Flesh Eaters were set to close the show after performances from Rigor Mortis, Embalmed and openers Maleficus. Rigor Mortis had promised to celebrate the 50th birthday of the band's frontman Corbitt by playing six new songs from the band's forthcoming album, 'Slave To The Grave'.

Corbitt posted on Facebook:

"My brother is gone! The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t even be in a band. RIP Mike – the greatest guitar player I ever knew. I’m proud to say that I was always Mike Scaccia’s biggest fan, and always will be."

The Rigor Mortis facebook page was simply updated with new profile and cover (as seen above) photographs of Mike Scaccia.

Scaccia co-formed Rigor Mortis in 1983 and they released their acclaimed debut self-titled album six years later. He joined Ministry as a touring guitarist before becoming a permanent band member, appearing on the 'Psalm 69' and 'Filth Pig' albums before leaving the band. He reformed Rigor Mortis in 2003 and went back to Ministry around the same time, where he’d remained since. He’d also performed with RevCo in recent years.

Uber Rock offers its condolences to all family, friends and fans of Mike Scaccia - R.I.P.